Catholics kneeling in church as a mortal sin

Re “A Ban on Kneeling? Some Catholics Won’t Stand for It,” May 28

I am a practicing Catholic, but I am not blind. My church has been the object of criticism and scrutiny in recent years, and rightly so. Many members of the clergy have been involved in vile, contemptible, sinful -- and illegal -- behavior with children. In many cases, responsible individuals in the church have ignored and even covered up this behavior, in violation of the church’s teachings and all governing laws.

Meanwhile, Father Martin Tran harangues his congregation that kneeling in church is a mortal sin. Clearly, our priorities need work.

Tran and the diocese need to put a sock in it, get on their knees and thank God that St. Mary’s congregation and millions of Catholics worldwide are still present and supportive of the church.

JAMES B. LYNN

Huntington Beach

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Is this the same church that covered up and tolerated the predatory practices of its clergy against children because it valued forgiveness (of offending priests)? Kneeling is now the moral equivalent of murder and child molestation? Kneeling? We were required to kneel for many years.

This decision brings shame on the so-called leadership of the diocese.

Liturgical practice is not doctrine; it is not even an issue on which bishops (or the pope) agree. How about compassionate tolerance for local practices as encouraged by Vatican II?

The values demonstrated in affirming the heavy-handed tactics of this Huntington Beach pastor do not represent any kind of moral high ground.

This is another embarrassment to Catholics, who are at a complete loss to defend the church’s out-of-whack priorities.

EILEEN T. WALSH

Aliso Viejo

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The Catholic religion has a rich array of elements that provide the framework for believers to live out their faith. In addition to tradition, there is Holy Scripture, the sacraments, liturgies, teachings and the community of believers. Today’s tradition is yesterday’s change, and tomorrow’s tradition is today’s change.

It would be wonderful to be as committed to Jesus’ teachings of peace and nonviolence as we are to the rubrics of the Mass.

PATRICIA GOODMAN

Huntington Beach